Domestic violence NGO in Samoa shocked by pregnant woman's death

An NGO that works with abused women and children in Samoa says incidents of domestic violence continue to increase inspite of the group's ongoing anti-violence outreach programmes.

A social worker at Mapusaga o Aiga Family Haven, Saoliu Tupua, was shocked by the brutal killing of a pregnant woman in Samoa at the weekend.

The 23 year old died of severe head injuries, along with her unborn child.

Ms Tupua says the way to stop the high rates of domestic violence in Samoa can be summed up in a slogan - "break the silence to stop the violence".

According to media reports, the victim had suffered chronic domestic abuse.

"It saddens us that she has passed on without any help given to her. But we cannot just go in and say: 'are you violated?' It's [up to] them who have been violated to come forward with issue so that we are able to address it."

Police say a man is in police custody and will appear in court on October 18.